Statement by D’Arcy Kemnitz, Executive Director of the National LGBT Bar Association, on the Supreme Court Nomination of Sonia Sotomayor

Washington—The National Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender (LGBT) Bar Association, the nation’s leading association of LGBT legal professionals, today issued a statement on the nomination of Sonia Sotomayor to the Supreme Court of the United States.

“We are pleased and encouraged by this excellent choice,” said D’Arcy Kemnitz, Executive Director of the National LGBT Bar Association, “As LGBT Americans, we are excited to have more diversity on the bench, and as attorneys we are gratified to have one of the brightest legal minds of our time on the Court.”

Kemnitz, who met with White House officials last week to discuss potential nominees and the concerns of LGBT community, emphasized that a respect for the Constitutional right to privacy, and a proven record supporting the right of Congress to promote civil rights would be key.

“Sonia Sotomayor, who has shown empathy and fearlessness on the U.S. Court of Appeals, not only meets, but exceeds these criteria,” Kemnitz noted. “Her nomination brings us closer to the day that the make up of the Court reflects the diversity of our great nation.”

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The National LGBT Bar Association is a national association of lawyers, judges and other legal professionals, law students, activists, and affiliated lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender legal organizations. The association promotes justice in and through the legal profession for the LGBT community in all its diversity.